"The preparation of good food is merely another expression of art, one of the joys of civilized living" -- Dione Lucas

Twelve balsam pine trees bobbed and weaved as the return voyage to Europe commenced. Christopher Columbus had been impressed with the little trees and saw this as one of many souvenirs from his second voyage to the new world. The trees took root easily in his native Europe.

Little did anyone realize the transplant of those twelve trees would result in one of the most exciting tastes in cooking today. This is but one theory as to the origins of Balsamic vinegar. Additional research indicates that an earlier form of this vinegar may have roots in the 11th century and was more than likely used for medicinal purposes in its original form.

It is further argued the balsam in